Les Robots - Intermission | Optigan Review: Surf & Sci-Fi Rock | Surf Music And Art
Release Date: March 20, 2026
Label: Double Crown Records
Website
The Dutch surf-rockers Les Robots are a
“mechanical” duo from Rotterdam, known for their 1960s space-age sound and
retro-futuristic stage outfits. While they often maintain the mystery of having
been “programmed” by legendary producer Joe Meek, the humans behind the masks
are well-known figures in the Dutch garage and beat scene.
Straight
away, looking at the artwork on Intermission | Optigan and knowing some
background on the origins of this band, I thought of Kraftwerk.
“An
Alarming Start” is a wonderful beginning, featuring their “techy” sound
alongside more traditional surf-instro guitar. The sound is clear, crisp, and
defined. It has a modern edge while also giving the nod to when it all started
back in the 60’s.
“When
H.A.N.K.-B. and R-JoHN Collide” sounds like a different band entirely, reaching
back to an old melody everyone will recognize with biting guitar lines and
piano to give a more retro feel. This basic rock ‘n’ roll is something you
can’t miss.
“N.O.V.A.”
starts like a sci-fi soundtrack, then suddenly drops and changes entirely into
a retro guitar-led sound straight out of a 60’s movie scenario with the
strumming jazz-inflected guitar lines and then some echoing leads that resonate
beautifully. Then the organ sounds like something you would hear at a
roller-skating rink back in the day. So much nostalgia wrapped in on track!
“Slimy
Matter” is yet another change in direction. This time, the guitar opens with a resonant,
metallic sound, then switches to keys that sound poppier and lighthearted, then
back to ominous guitar licks as you hear a whirling, whooshing synth sound,
like the computer undergoing some kind of transformation. By all accounts,
based on the track title, this is a science experiment that has dreadfully gone
wrong! Interesting tune though!
Now,
to really get you wondering what is happening. “Theme From Optigan” segues from
the previous track and boom! You have been transported to another timeline.
This one has a galloping bass line, drums to match, and a weird little
synth-horn sound. Suddenly, a twangy guitar enters the mix as the backend
continues down a more defined path. Quirky! And a few more surprises are
coming: a spoken-word segment, then more wonderful weirdness.
“A
Strange New World” indeed! This band is just full of surprises from track to
track, and each one sounds entirely different from the last. There is an odd
sound going on here as the piano tinkles away, along with one singular cymbal
sound and another on the drum. I can’t keep up with all the crazy changes here,
but I am loving it just the same!
“Wailin’
On Sound Waves” gets back to some good twangy rock and a little bluesy piano
banging away for another layer. Then another one of those weird kazoo-like
sounds. They put on their instrumental rocker shoes this time with a definite
blues flavor.
“Solar-Sonata”
takes you on another colorful ride of sounds and textures. The guitar strums
out a consistent rhythm as different sounds pepper the track: the synth, other
sounds I cannot define, and the organ, which sounds like a 60s-influenced
arrangement. It’s a real toe-tapper most of the time.
“Flea
Market On Planet P” starts interesting enough, but interesting and different is
what this band is all about. The guitar is twangy, basic rock, as the synth
adds its touch. Then another change in tempo and rhythm occurs, with a synth
sounding like a buzzing bee as the guitar gets down and dirty, grungy. Then a
sudden stop and return to the beginning of the cycle. Absolute musical madness,
and I love it!
“Lajka’s
Heart Rate” is one minute and sixteen seconds of rockin’ fun. It’s nonstop
energy then straight into more weirdness with “Elektro Returns,” their version
of sci-fi rock with hints of the bizarre, something you could imagine hearing
on a grade B horror flick in the ’50s. Then a typically mysterious transition,
and then an ending.
“The
Last 3 Minutes Of Mars” brings this crazy train of musical montages to a close.
It starts with an atmosphere of trepidation between the guitar and a constant
“go to war” drum beat. This is a great way to end the recording, with plenty of
atmosphere and the synths adding to the creepiness in the last three minutes.
Twangy guitar lines, the end is near, then the sounds of an explosion, then
what do you know, the Farfisa-sounding organ, bringing along its optimism,
albeit creep-show-like, to end the journey.
Intermission
| Optigan
is one of the craziest and most diverse listens I have experienced to date. Les
Robots live up to their name. They emerge from the remnants of the first wave
of surf instro and methodically create their own unique wave. To define it all
clearly is impossible, and kudos to them for keeping their sound outside the
box rather than tucking it neatly into a genre. They have their own way into
your consciousness. Their talent is more than evident, and I would advise
spending time focusing on each instrument in a track individually, then on the
track as a whole, before dismissing the resulting sound.
Intermission
| Optigan
isn’t for purists seeking classic surf sounds—Les Robots are after something
entirely different, delighting in progressive experimentation at every turn.
For listeners craving new sonic experiences and inventive twists, this album
delivers in spades. Production, musicianship, and creativity are all
first-rate, making it a standout in its genre-defying category. If you’re
open-minded—and perhaps a bit adventurous—you’ll find plenty to enjoy on this
wild musical ride.
Band
Info:
The
core members are:
The "Programmed" Masterminds D.V.R. (Dave von Raven): Keyboards
(specifically the Clavioline, Ondioline and Vox Continental), guitar, and bass.
Outside his robot persona, he is the frontman of the popular Dutch beat band
The Kik (formerly The Madd). R-JoHN (Arjan Spies): Drums, guitar, and bass. He
is also a prominent member of The Kik, The Kryng (and formerly Mark & the
Spies)
Live
"Assisting Bots" When performing live, the duo is joined by two additional
"droids" to create a full band sound: Pete-R: Bass guitar C.A.S.E.:
Drums
Quick
Facts Origin:
Rotterdam, Netherlands (formed in 2018).
Sound: A mix of surf rock,
instrumental rock 'n' roll, and "Space Age Pop. "The Gimmick: They
perform in full robot costumes with silver masks and metallic suits, never
breaking character as "mechanical men from outer space."
Key
Gear:
They are famous for using the Clavioline, a rare 1940s/50s vacuum-tube
synthesizer that gives them their signature eerie, "Telstar"-esque
sound.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
March
24, 2026
Tracks:
01. An Alarming Start 2:58
02. When H.A.N.K.-B. and R-JoHN Collide 2:09
03. N.O.V.A. 2:58
04. Slimy Matter 2:32
05. Theme From Optigan 2:25
06. A Strange New World 2:40
07. Wailin' On Sound Waves 1:45
08. Solar-Sonata 3:08
09. Flea Market On Planet P 3:24
10. Lajka's Heart Rate 1:16
11. Elektro Returns 2:53
12. The Last 3 Minutes Of Mars 3:00
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